The American Commercial Tire Network (ACTN) has donated $10,000 to the Tire Industry Association's scholarship program, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) announced on Oct. 26.
The contribution was presented after TIA CEO Dick Gust spoke at ACTN's annual meeting in Dallas, where he gave an overview of the Tire Industry Scholarship program and what it accomplished over the past year. TIA said the funds will help the program keep investing in the next generation of tire industry professionals, with a particular emphasis on people pursuing careers in the commercial tire industry.
The future of the tire industry depends on our ability to attract, educate and develop the next generation of talent. The support of organizations like ACTN helps create meaningful opportunities for students pursuing careers in our industry, particularly in the commercial tire segment, where skilled professionals are vital to our continued success.
Richard "Dick" Gust, CEO of TIA
About the Tire Industry Scholarship program
TIA launched the scholarship program in partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF). It supports students pursuing education and training for careers across the tire and automotive industries. In 2026, the program awarded 17 scholarships totaling $42,500 to students following a range of educational pathways, including automotive technology, diesel and heavy-duty programs, engineering and other fields relevant to the industry. Details on eligibility and applications are available on the program's scholarship page.
ACTN president Bob Berlin said the network is proud to back the effort.
ACTN is proud to support initiatives that help develop the next generation of professionals in the commercial tire industry. Scholarships can help open doors for individuals pursuing technical education and careers in our industry. By investing in these students, we are helping build a stronger workforce and supporting the future of commercial tire service.
Bob Berlin, president of ACTN
Additional support from Bob Sumerel Tire Co.
TIA also recognized Bob Sumerel Tire Co., which contributed an additional $2,500 to the scholarship program. The association thanked Todd Sumerel, president of Bob Sumerel Tire Co., and Gary Schroeder, TIA board secretary and chief operating officer of Bob Sumerel Tire Co., for their support of the foundation scholarship initiative and their financial contribution.
TIA thanked ACTN, Bob Sumerel Tire Co. and the many industry partners whose contributions help make the program possible, and said continued support from across the industry helps it expand educational opportunities. Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to the scholarship program are encouraged to get in touch with TIA through the association's website.
TIA describes itself as representing all segments of the national and international tire industry and as the recognized authority for tire service technician training and certification, with more than 220,000 industry professionals trained since 1997.
